UPDATE: 6.30 PM

• IN SHORT
• Three people – two women and a man – are dead following a shooting in Lake Cargelligo's Walker Street at approximately 4:40pm Thursday, January 22, 2026
• A fourth person, a man, has been taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition following the incident
• Police have established a crime scene and are investigating the circumstances, with residents urged to stay indoors and avoid the area

The small Central West town of Lake Cargelligo is reeling tonight after a shooting that has left three people dead and another fighting for life in hospital.

Emergency services were called to Walker Street, near Yelkin Street in the town's main street area, at approximately 4:40pm Thursday following reports of a shooting.

Officers attached to Central West Police District arrived to find three people deceased at the scene – two women and one man.

A fourth victim, a man, was transported to hospital where he remains in a serious but stable condition.

Police have established a crime scene at the Walker Street location and launched a major investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deadly incident.

Central West Police have urged the public to avoid the area while the investigation continues, with local residents told to remain inside their homes as a precaution.

The close-knit rural community is now the focus of a major homicide investigation, with forensic officers and detectives working through the night to piece together what happened on the town's main street.

NSW Police have not yet released information about whether any suspects have been identified or taken into custody. Further details are expected to be released as the investigation progresses.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Central West Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information is treated in strict confidence.

• IN SHORT
• A major police operation is currently underway in Lake Cargelligo, with residents told to stay indoors and avoid the area
• NSW Police have not released details about the nature of the operation, saying information will be provided "when operationally appropriate"
• The Central West town, located between Forbes and Griffith, remains under lockdown as of 5pm Thursday, January 22, 2026

Lake Cargelligo is under police lockdown this afternoon as a major operation continues to unfold.

NSW Police issued an urgent warning to residents at approximately 5pm Thursday, urging people to stay indoors and avoid the area while the operation is underway.

Details remain scarce, with police declining to release specific information about the nature of the incident.

"Information will be provided when operationally appropriate," a police spokesperson said.

The lockdown has affected the town's main street and surrounding areas, with residents asked to remain vigilant and follow police directions.

Local businesses and services have been impacted by the ongoing operation, though the full extent remains unclear as the situation continues to develop.

NSW Police have maintained a significant presence in the town throughout the afternoon, with officers from multiple commands responding to the incident.

This is a developing situation. Back Country Bulletin will update this story as more information becomes available from official sources.

Residents are urged to follow directions from emergency services and avoid speculation on social media during this active police operation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact NSW Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.